Pink Tea Roses

The last of the roses have been so very lovely the last week, however, with the weather forecast calling for a freeze, it was time to pick the  blooms to bring inside and enjoy.  These roses have been so beautiful all summer, and can't get over, I only paid $5.98 for the rose bush.  Prettier than some of the other roses I paid a lot more for.

I am attempting to make a journal to put all the pictures of the garden flowers from this Spring and Summer.  To many projects in the works, isn't this true for anyone who loves creating.

The black vintage plate belongs to a luncheon set, which was my Grandmothers.  I do enjoy taking photos using vintage objects and dishes, along with old laces.

Have a relaxing weekend, and enjoy!

Sharon

Fall Corn Husk Wreath

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year as our trees and landscapes turn  beautiful  colors of reds, rusts, browns and golden yellows.  Nature is beginning to ready itself for a long winters' nap.

I also enjoy decorating the house with all the Fall colors.

 

When my November Country Living Magazine arrived, inside was the picture of a beautiful Corn Husk Wreath along with directions.  I had most of the supplies and decided to use some elements I had on hand. So the one I made is somewhat different,  and I made a few burlap roses and used two  paper petals I bought from a lady at a local craft shop.  I will say, I do need to invest in some gloves when using a hot glue gun, as I am messy and get the glue on my fingers, ouch !!  I thought for the first attempt and working with corn husks, which are a "little tricky", turned out fairly well.

 

 I love the rustic look of the wreath in the breakfast area.

 

 

 

May you enjoy the changing of the seasons of nature.

 

Sharon

 

 



"Pumpkin Season"

 Pumpkins are everywhere, and so many varieties and colors.  As I was looking for mums to plant in the yard, I got in the spirit of outdoor decorating.  I could buy a pumpkin  in every color and size!  I already had the mums planted, so I do believe I should get another mum to add with my small yard decoration.

In this month's Southern Living Magazine are some really fun ideas for Fall decorating.  I think I must go and find a large pumpkin to plant a yellow mum in.  The deep rust colored mums would look good too.

Seriously thinking of planting some gourds and pumpkins for next year, just to see if I have that green thumb.  Now off to the farmer's market, to buy some apples this morning.

Have a great weekend

Sharon

Zucchini Apple Butter Bread

Made this recipe this morning using up some fresh apple butter.  A tasty bread to put in the freezer, or better, give a loaf to share. A really nice flavor for Fall.

1 Stick of soft butter

1/2 C. of canola oil

3 Eggs

2 C. of sugar

1/4 t. baking powder

3/4 t. salt 

1 t. cinnamon 

2 C.  white flour

1 C. wheat flour

1/3 C. apple butter

1 t. good vanilla

1/2 C. chopped nuts, if desired

2 C. shredded zucchini

     Cream butter and oil, then add sugar and beat all together.  Then add the eggs one at a time, follow with the remaining ingredients and beat on low till well blended.

     Note:  You can also use all white flour.

     Pour into 2 loaf pans which have been greased and lightly floured.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes  (Recipe will also make 4 smaller loaves)

   Cool for 10 minutes or so before taking the bread out.  While warm drizzle with some powder sugar, a little half and half and a 1/4 t. vanilla.  Drizzle over the loaves.

Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Sharon

     

Recycling An Old Crazy Quilt

I love the old fabrics and beautiful stitches of vintage crazy quilts.  I bought a small quilt on ebay some time ago, and as with most of these lovely quilts there are areas where the fabrics are tattered or very delicate.

After sewing up two purses, I had this piece left over and decided to make a decorative table covering.  Some of the main fabric had a few stains, but the bright colors stand out and the stain rather disappears in the background.  The backside is made from a pretty scrap of  fabric I had saved from another project.

Fall is in the air this morning, so time to begin bringing out a few decorations around the house. 

Love all the Fall colors

Fall is a great time to enjoy all the beautiful nature which surrounds us.  

BLESSINGS,

Sharon

Blooming Morning Glories

What a beautiful early Sunday Morning at my daughter's ranch with bright morning glories traveling up and winding around the rustic arch in my daughter's back yard.  The Oklahoma wind dries everything out, so I must go water these lovely flowers, along with watering the chickens and gathering the eggs.

Sunflowers in Full Bloom

A few days ago I went out very early in the morning before the sun was fully up to take photos of the sunflowers in the garden, as they are in full bloom.  I love sunflowers, just a beautiful all American country flower.  Several are so tall and heavy with blooms, they are falling over.

Have a lovely week!

Sharon

Sunflowers and Basil From the Garden

The sunflowers are finally coming in to full bloom and could not resist picking a few along with sweet basil from the garden yesterday.  I love to just pick fresh basil and put in a vase of cold water and place by the kitchen sink.  The fragrance is heavenly.  

I am always amazed at the beautiful photographs taken by others of flowers.  Do hope you enjoy these pictures as I keep working on taking better photos along with my writing.  

French Inspired Burlap Bag

Happy Monday - the weekend always comes and goes to quickly even if one is considered retired.
Do hope your weekend was a relaxing one.

With the hot and dry conditions here in the Ozarks, the garden needs constantly watered as does the flowers and shrubs.  I am struggling to keep control of all the weeds, which seem to sprout up faster than I can pull them.

 The garden is producing cucumbers, assorted peppers, a few tomatoes and green beans, along with pretty basil.  The sunflowers are blooming too.  I love sunflowers!

I had not been crafting for a few weeks, so decided to spend part of the afternoon in the sewing room, which is in our metal shop out in the back yard.

 I found this burlap fabric in Jo Ann's Store this Spring along with the fun fringe, which I thought
would all go together.  I dream of going to Paris some day.  I really liked the French designs on the burlap, and even better, I could use my coupon to save some $$$$$.

I cut my own pattern for the main bag along with the flap.  As I was cutting the burlap I noticed what looked like some stains, however, after examining closer, the spots were in the fabric, so the dyes may have bled.

After thinking whether I should just stop cutting, I decided the fabric looked like it may have been pulled from an old trunk, and the more I looked at the burlap, I decided it looked old......Here is the finished bag, and it is large enough to carry everything.  The lining is black quilted fabric and I also used an interfacing, to add  structure and weight to the bag.  I had an old black button used on coats, so finished off the flap with it.

Large enough to hold everything a gal needs.

Until next time.  "Follow your instincts. That's where true wisdom manifests itself."


                                                                     -Oprah Winfrey

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Vintage Sun Bonnet Girl Quilt Pieces

Yesterday I was looking through some old keepsakes of my Grandmother, Minnie Emma.  I can remember as a little girl sitting beside her at night as she hand stitched quilt pieces.

 

Grandma kept these quilt pieces in an old sewing basket, but never did get the Sun Bonnet Girl quilt done before she passed on.  I just love the old fabrics and all the delicate patterns. The colors are still so beautiful, even after all these years.

 

Although I never learned to quilt, and do admire the art of quilting, I really need to work on a project to complete the lovely little "girls" to pass on to my two granddaughters.

 

I hope you enjoy some of the photos of all the vintage fabrics.  I am sure some were clothing and Grandma recycled for the quilt pieces.  

 

Growing up, Grandma Minnie made most of our cloths.  I never fully appreciated "handmade" until I was older.  I still miss my wonderful Grandma, she was the best!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decorative Steer Skull

My husband brought home two steer skulls on the back of his Harley he found from a rancher in Oklahoma.  He drew quite the attention.  No doubt one does not see a Harley rider very often packing steer skulls down interstate highways.

Last week I worked on decorating the skull  using turquoise nuggets, glass stones I found at the craft store, old buttons and sea glass.  I had some leather which I glued around the horns to embellish.  You may notice the horns  do not match--- well this is due to the skull only having one horn.  I added a horn that I had left  from making a floral arrangement until I can find another near the same size and color.

Not sure yet if I am finished with this project, as I may do some additional painting.  I used tile glue and tile grout that I had left from another project.  It is so much fun experimenting not really knowing how the project will turn out.

 

 

 

 

                                                    

                                               You're never to old to do goofy stuff.
                                                           -Ward Cleaver-

       Wishing you a great week!!!
              Sharon

Rustique Ranch Tote

The nice bright sunny days have been just right to tea dye some fabrics and laces on the clothes line to have ready for projects.  I took some of the freshly dyed cotton duck fabric and cut out this crossover tote bag.  I left the handle for a tattered look and did stitch down both sides of the handle.

 

Various old and new laces along with buttons and an old brooch were added along with pretty loopy ribbon in a vintage white.  The interior lining is made with upholstery fabric for structure.   Complete with a pocket and magnetic closure.  A fun small bag which will look good with blue jeans, a skirt and boots.  Just large enough for everything needed for a day or night out.

 

                                                       This is the back of the tote

 

 

Wishing you a wonderful week of creating! 
                               SHARON

Roses and Lilies and Horses

Each morning I enjoy taking a walk around the yard to see what flowers are beginning to bloom. It is always a treat to see what changes occur during the night.  This morning some of the lilies are beginning to bloom as are the roses.  Lilies look lovely put in a pretty dish, however, this one found it's way into a small container on the patio table for awhile. 

The vintage book, "Roses and Lilies" from Longfellow has many beautiful poems, which I pull out and read often.  Last year while at a craft fair, I found two additional vintage books of poems.   The old patina colors and tattered edges add my love of rustic. 

This red rose has a velvet feel and the rose bush has struggled from the cold winter, but it is looking better each day.  The other roses are English roses.  When I purchased them two years ago I thought I had ordered tea roses, however, they are climbing roses, so I really have to keep them trimmed in the location they are planted.  Moving them makes me nervous, so I have not attempted that step yet.

The small green bud vase I purchased a few years ago is just the right size to put small flowers in. 

Enjoying the quiet mornings out on the patio with a cup of coffee, reading and enjoying the blooms and the sounds of the birds is so relaxing.  God has so richly blessed us!

 

A few weeks ago my husband and I traveled to southern Oklahoma to visit our daughter.  While out walking around the ranch her horses decided they would stand still long enough to snap their pictures.

My daughter has raised these beauties since they were born.  Leigh and her horses are best buds.

A quiet country evening looking out over the pasture.

Each morning sees some task begun, Each evening sees it close.  May you enjoy the beauty in simple everyday pleasures.

       Sharon